Australia will begin an investigation into whether Chinese producers of solar photovoltaic panels have been selling below cost in the domestic market. The investigation has been welcomed by the country's solar PV maker Tindo Solar.

The Anti-Dumping Commission will examine the markets in Australia and China to determine whether the Chinese companies have been selling product at unprofitable export prices.

''We are supportive of any initiative that embeds a fair go and fair market price for Australian manufacturers,'' Richard Inwood, a manager at Tindo, said. ''It's not just for now but for the future.''

Tindo estimates Australia will import about $1.4 billion in PV panels this year. About 1.3 million Australian homes have solar PV, a number that is increasing at about 50,000 a quarter.